Accompanying Malik in this eclectic cabinet are notable figures such as former central bank chief Shamshad Akhtar, who assumes the role of Finance Minister, and provincial minister Sarfaraz Bugti, taking on the mantle of Interior Minister.
In an unexpected move, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, the spouse of incarcerated Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, has secured a unique role within Pakistan's caretaker government. She has been designated as a special advisor to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, with a focus on human rights and women's empowerment, according to media reports.
The story of Mishaal Hussain Malik and Yasin Malik is as intriguing as it is unexpected. Their paths crossed in 2005 during Yasin's visit to Islamabad to garner support for the Kashmiri separatist movement. The spark ignited by Yasin's impassioned speech led to an extraordinary connection. The couple defied borders and cultural differences, tying the knot in 2009.
However, their relationship has been marked by separation, both personal and geographical. Malik, a Pakistani national, made two visits to India in 2014, but since then, she has refrained from seeking an Indian visa, even as her previous two-year visa expired in 2015. In an emotional appeal, she has expressed her desire to reunite with her husband and his family, decrying the hindrances imposed on her travel by India.
Adding layers to the narrative is the political backdrop of Pakistan's caretaker government. Accompanying Malik in this eclectic cabinet are notable figures such as former central bank chief Shamshad Akhtar, who assumes the role of Finance Minister, and provincial minister Sarfaraz Bugti, taking on the mantle of Interior Minister.
On August 17, a noteworthy oath-taking ceremony solidified these appointments. Sixteen federal ministers, along with three advisers, were sworn in by President Arif Alvi. Among them are individuals like Jalil Abbas Jilani, Lt General (retired) Anwar Ali Hyder, and Umar Saif, who bring distinct expertise to the table.